Showing posts with label bible. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bible. Show all posts

7/15/13

5 More Reasons Scripture Memory is Indispensable to Our Home Education

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Scripture memory has been a foundation for our home education since almost the beginning.  I was fortunate enough as a child to experience a consistent reinforcement of scripture memory, and it became a part of who I was, who I still am as well.  

No matter the many, many pitfalls, stumbling,  sin and mistakes along my journey as an adult, the planting of God's Word in my heart early on in childhood, helped ensure that I was never long, nor comfortable in my sin.  God's Word is a lamp and light.  One I have depended on to see me back to righteousness' path.

This is a gift I long to give my own children.  Here are just a few more reasons to consider scripture memory in your home education:

 1.  Planting the Word of God on rich and faithful soil (a.k.a. your child's heart) will produce good fruit.  
Warning: This means fruit will be produced in God's timing, not your's.   
Consistency in matters of faith and spirituality are what you, as a parent and educator, should be solely focused.  The actual fruit is God's job, so stay out of the way.
Trust me, I'm speaking from experience here.

 2.  God's Word planted in developmental years helps to reinforce thoughtfulness, reason & logic, meditation on God's Word and develop deep thought processes in children as they grow.
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3.  Routine does not equal monotony.  The daily referring back to God's Word is a better means of achieving obedience in faith matters with your children, and also practical everyday family matters in the home.  Fact: Force equals resistance.  Just telling a child they must obey, and not why it is right, is a common parental mistake.  Referring every action and subsequent reaction or consequence back to the Bible is a means of creating sound logic in the mind of a child.  God's Word brings meditation, thoughtfulness and obedience by way of positive motivation.

4. When children have made Bible memory a daily priority, you will be amazed at what they are able retain.  It is one of this momma's favorite moments, when I see one of my children lip synced with the Pastor as he is reading from the Word.  Children smile from ear to ear with a real sense of accomplishment when they know, from heart, a scripture that is being discussed.
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5. Children have a certain faith that is difficult for adults to attain. Adding to that "child-like" faith with Biblical virtues and scripture, is worth all the effort and time you invest . . . and beyond.

 2 Peter 1:5-8 
"But also for this very reason, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge, to knowledge self-control, to self-control perseverance, to perseverance godliness, to godliness brotherly kindness, and to brotherly kindness love. For if these things are yours and abound, you will be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ."

 HERE IS A POST ABOUT HOW WE CONDUCT OUR DAILY BIBLE MEMORY:
Teaching Biblical Character: Scripture Memory

Joyfully Learning with You,
The Joyful Socks Mom 

Be sure to keep up with Joyful Socks on Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook

HERE are other blog posts you might enjoy:
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5/6/13

Hang with Me, I'll Be Back Soon!

I am here.

 I am safe & healthy.

 I am experiencing a major lifestyle change.

 I am trusting Jesus.

 I am excited about this really-awesome-complete 360 degree God orchestrated U-turn!
(Photo Credit)
What I am not?  
I am not able to stop and write!  Yuck.
I will resume posting in June.  Please stay tuned, and until then . . . 
"May the LORD bless you and keep you -- the LORD make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace."
Numbers 6:24-26


Joyfully Learning with You,
The Joyful Socks Mom 

Be sure to keep up with Joyful Socks on Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram & Facebook
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2/25/13

10 Steps to Being Less Easy-to-Offend: RISE UP

We have all been there.
We have all done it.
We all have that "mommy-bear" that can rare up, unexpected and unwelcome.  Getting offended can truly be just as painful to any by-standard close by, and just as hurtful as the offense.

 The root issue?  I take offense to what you did, said, or implied.  

 Is it right? No.  Do I know it's not?  Probably.  Yet, there it is.  I am offended!  Now what?

 RISE UP!

 10 Steps to Being Less Easy-to-Offend:

 1.  Get Accountability!  If getting easily offended tends to be an area of struggle for you, get yourself an accountability partner.  A friend.  An elder. A lady at church.  Your spouse.  Chat it out with someone who will not allow you to take it to a sinful, negative place.  Do not confide in an individual that will allow you to gossip, or that will enable you to stay in this negative life pattern.

 2.  Stop Taking It Personal.  It is totally feasible that whatever it is that is offending you is not about you, intended for you, nor directed at you.  There, I  said it, don't take offense. ;)

 3.  Walk A Mile In The Other Person's Shoes (or, Socks!).  People are people.  Always have been, always will be.  They will sin, make mistakes, have bad days, suffer tragedy and lash out.  Again, it is probably not about you.  Give grace.  Give a hug.  Say a prayer.  Write a letter.  Now, move on.
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4.  Forgive Immediately, Then When You Remember, Forgive Again! and Again! and Again!  Jesus did not ask us to forgive.  He commanded it.  Period.
Mark 11:25 - 26

"And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.  But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses."

Luke 6:37
"Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:"

Luke 17:4
"And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent; thou shalt forgive him."

5.  Stop Taking People Literally.  Face the fact that people, in general, myself included, are sarcastic in today's society.  There lives literally revolve around themselves.  They don't mean to be short, brash, blunt or rude . . . they just are.  This is the perfect opportunity to practice grace.

 6.  Choose Joy.   A close friend of mine and I were discussing this, in-depth, just last week.  Choosing joy and choosing NOT to be offended is just as valid a choice as anger, resentment, offense, or un-forgiveness.  The later are quick, fleshly responses we gravitate toward easily. (I'm wincing at my own statement there)  The joy and not-being-easy-to-offend choices are fruit of the Spirit and require a faithful effort on your's and mine conscientiousness. 
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7.  Give Yourself Some Grace.  Look, we are going to mess-up . . . me especially.  Give yourself some growing room to begin "turning the other cheek" and don't be surprised when you fall short.  Be a big girl, suck-it-up (my dad's favorite advice), and keep moving.

 8.  Go Prayer Walking!  Get in the habit at the end of the day, or anytime that is best for your schedule, to hit the sidewalk.  Walking, praying and shedding your day's frustrations is therapeutic to your body, mind and spirit.

 9.  Give A Reward to Yourself!  When you have gone God's way and have truly chosen to not be offended in a big situation, just give Him glory and do something good for you.
     

Okay, okay . . . maybe you would pick a different reward for yourself.  That's cool.  This is obviously what I would pick if I had my choice!

You don't have to be extravagant in rewarding yourself either.  In fact, it would be better to keep it sweet and simple.  Examples:  Give yourself extra time reading, napping, or in the bubble bath.

10.  Give it to God!  Lay these anxieties at the cross of Jesus Christ and leave them there . . . P.S.  That includes not picking them back up again tomorrow.


I know this can be a tough issue for many, and truly, what one of us has not been there?  I am praying that the LORD would give you peace and His strength to help you (and I) lay this one down, so we can Rise Up in His greater service.

Joyfully Learning with You,
The Joyful Socks Mom 

Be sure to keep up with Joyful Socks on Pinterest, Twitter & Facebook

HERE are other blog posts you might enjoy:


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2/22/13

10 Ways to Bless a Homeschool Mom: Rise Up

Truth be known, historically the winter is the absolute yuckiest time for my health and mental wellness.  I am sure this is the case with many mommies, in general, not just home educators.  Unfortunately for the home educator, this means that the children's learning in the home has a tendency to fall-through-the-cracks, or daily learning seems to suffer.

 This is exactly why I was proactive this year and attended the Homeschool Winter Summit in Norman, OK.  (Okay, so also because I love hanging with the ladies I caravan-ed with! Smockity Frocks, Kelly Wiggains, Marathon Mom and more.)  I did come down with the flu while there (not an excellent combination.  I do not recommend), but it wasn't an "epic fail" in the end.  


I recognized that I must be actively moving toward encouragement and edification during this season of the year.  I still ended up ill and in bed for two weeks straight, but having received new marching orders and a refreshed spirit, I was better able to maintain joy and focus.  My kids remained consistent in studies and excellence, and I was a much pleasanter person to be around.  Win, win, win situation.

 Still, one has to stay completely proactive and walking in faith to maintain this kind of consistency until that first day of Spring!


With many situations in life's journey, it is important to lift-up others, rather than ourselves, in order to receive blessings from the LORD.  We were just discussing this at length during our Christian Living Course on Wednesday night at church.  When we help others it seems that the LORD is made more free to bless us in our own situation.  In short, are you struggling in this area or have a need?  Find someone in the same situation or that is struggling with the same need . . . then, bless that person.  So, if you are struggling to make it to your Spring semester with you and your children intact, bless another home educator.

 10 Ways to Bless a Homeschool Mom
  1. Make a Freezer meal for that Oh man, I forgot that my family needs to eat EVERY night emergency that we have all encountered.
  2. Take your friend's kids to the park, museum or skate-day while she does lesson plans, or, even better, takes a bubble bath.
  3. Volunteer to do a Saturday Workshop to help your friend's kids with enrichment, or to get "caught up" in whatever subject is your specialty. 
  4. Run to the store and grab a homeschool "refill" supply pack.  Example: pencils, notebook paper, pens, playing cards, dominoes, markers, crayons, and the most important POST IT NOTES.
  5. Bless your friend with a Cleaning Day!   Arrange a day that you can help your friend tackle those deep-cleaning, not-so-fun, housework issues that have gone to the wayside.  MOVIE NIGHT at your house with for the kids and dads while you and your friend work.
  6. Help with the joyous (sarcastic-tone) work of grading!  Volunteer to take a big-fat, yes it's been sitting in one place since Christmas, pile of school work that needs graded.  Oh, admit it, we've all done it.
  7. Take time to write a note of encouragement.  Stopping the business of life to put our edification to pen is a blessing to those who receive  and those who give.  Just let your friend know that you love her, we all have trials as mom and home educator, and just give her some reassurance.  Visually seeing this is a blessing to any mom.
  8. Bless her with books.  Go to your local thrift store or used book store and stock up on books that fit her style of education, inspirational books or living books for the kids.  Believe me, a home educator can never have enough books. ;)


9.  Go shopping!  No, you cannot leave the kids behind!  Volunteer to do her grocery shopping for the week.  Just one more thing she can cross off her to-do list.
10.  Pray for your homeschool sister, and pray with her!  Truly, this is the greatest blessing for your friend.  Do not underestimate the power of Jesus  interceding on your friend's behalf.  God is still on the throne, and prayer still changes things!


Bottom-line?  Take the time to be a blessing, you will never regret time taken to help someone else . . . Scout's honor.

As a home educator, what would be a big blessing to you?


Joyfully serving with you,
The Joyful Socks Mom 

Be sure to keep up with Joyful Socks on Pinterest, Twitter & Facebook!

HERE are other blog posts you might enjoy:
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12/23/12

Hearing From The LORD Through The Generations

Luke 1:55

 "As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and to his seed forever"

Hearing from the LORD is a matter of position.

 Not a position in world terms, but taking a position of authority over your own flesh, your heart and your family.

 Mary didn't wake one day and say to herself, "Self, I think we should have great faith and become a chosen vessel of the LORD."  

 Sorry to burst you bubble.  I guarantee that the faith building work that became manifest in this young teenager's life began with faithful parents.  Parents who saw the generational benefit of serving the LORD and living in His will.
PHOTO CREDIT
Remember that establishing generational blessings for your family is a process, one which takes time, consistency and faith.  The world may pull on the heart strings of our children, but the heart of the home, when established in the foundation in Christ, will trump the world in the end.

Joshua 24:15

New King James Version (NKJV)
"And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

 The application of these biblical principles will look differently in each individual home.  What is acceptable in my home, may not be in your home.  It is up to us as parent's to determine prayerfully what is acceptable according to God's will for their family.
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Philippians 2:12

New King James Version (NKJV)

"Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;"

However; there are foundations of biblical principles that I now submit will be essential in all Christian homes:
  • Deal with weaknesses (flesh, heart issues, etc.) now, not later when these issues have crossed from temptation, to iniquity, to out right sin issues.  Here is one of the resources we like to use consistently in our home.
  • Build the "Jesus culture" in your home.  Building all house rules, focus and purpose on the basis of Jesus Christ and His cross, crucified!
  • Build "fences" for your children!  My pastor gave an excellent word on this just this past Sunday.  The principle is this: We set the holiness standards, or measuring stick, by which our family should walk by.  Not for salvation, for that alone is found in Jesus Christ, but to set fences surrounding our children's heart, protecting them from the enemy of our souls and the world.
  • Believe God at His Word, in all His promises and commands without condition!  His ways our not ours and we must remember that He brings all things around to good, in His time.  Not your time, His time.  Not what you think it should look like, but it is His masterpiece.  Trust Him!
In the end, you and your family belong in His hands and live but for His purpose alone.  Hearing from Christ, through His holy living Word, and allowing Him free reign in your life and your family's; this will be the most assured way to establish generational blessings for you and your children, and your children's children.

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Today is the last day to reflect together on having a "Mary Heart".  I hope journeying through this beautiful prayer in scripture has blessed you and renewed your faith.  It has been an ardent blessing to me and I am grateful for the journey.

 Hoping your new year is full of wonders and joy!

PHOTO CREDIT: A Mary Heart Logo Button ORIGINAL WORK BY: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pokpok/ ---> Thanks!
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12/22/12

His Ways Are Wonderful & I Don't Have To Ask Why!

Luke 1:51-54 (NKJV)

 "He has shown strength with His arm;
He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

 52 He has put down the mighty from their thrones,
And exalted the lowly.

 53 He has filled the hungry with good things,
And the rich He has sent away empty.

 54 He has helped His servant Israel,
In remembrance of His mercy,"


The key to understanding God's ways is this . . . stop asking why?

 Now before you get all huffy-puffy on me, please understand a few things:
  • I think it is healthy and natural to question.
  • I know that I, myself, still struggle with this concept, so I acknowledge that I, too, need growth in this area.
  • I know that these ideas are "counter-culture", but most who know me will plainly understand . . . being culturally relevant is not high on my list of priorities! OBVIOUSLY!
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Why is asking "why" so dangerous anyway?

Isaiah 55:8

New King James Version (NKJV)

“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord."

Job 40:1-2

New King James Version (NKJV)
"Moreover the Lord answered Job, and said: 'Shall the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him? He who rebukes God, let him answer it.'"
Contending in our hearts that according to God and His ways, we just don't know that much can be difficult for many.  This is, of course, not a "far stretch" for me much of the time.  Why?  I have been in acceptance of the vastness of what little I truly understand. ;)
Fortunately, or unfortunately in this case, we humans feel an innate need to understand our world and surroundings.  Meanwhile the world and culture we live in actually elevates and glorifies those who question authority and the natural order of things.  Our need to understand is fueled by our society's need to "feel" important.  The pride of life.  Oh boy, don't get me started on that dangerous topic!
What does the song of Mary teach us about a proper response to our need for understanding?
  • Submission - Mary acknowledged the LORD's ways being far above that of her own feeble understanding.
  • Surrender - Mary accepted the Word of the Lord in any and all forms that it came to her.  She may have asked how, but she did not ask why.

Luke 1:38-39

New King James Version (NKJV)
"Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her."
  • Consistency - Mary over and over shows an unwavering faith in God's Providential hand in her life.  Her faith trumped her circumstance.
Let us not get caught up in the "why" of this world.

Let us instead reach for the wonder of God's faithfulness to those who fear Him and follow His ways . . . ways we may not understand, but that we do trust.

He sent Himself to be sacrifice for my sin and yours.  

Why?  I DO NOT UNDERSTAND, but I am thankful!  Aren't you?
Original PHOTO CREDIT
I hope this series will be a source of peace and joy for you this season.  Join in tomorrow as we discuss how to hear from the Lord throughout the generations.


PHOTO CREDIT: A Mary Heart Logo Button ORIGINAL WORK BY: http://www.flickr.com/photos/pokpok/ ---> Thanks!
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12/21/12

Fearing The LORD and Bringing a Heritage

Luke 1:50 (NKJV)

 "And His mercy is on those who fear Him
From generation to generation."

The fear of the LORD.

 This biblical principle does not get enough "lip service" in today's church community.  Why not?  Well, let just say it is not exactly the "feel good" message that most Christians are seeking on Sunday morning.  Many leaders just don't want to "go there".  No worries sister, I WILL go there with you!

Hosea 4:6 (NKJV) "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.  Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forget the law of your God, I will also forget your children."
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Oh my . . . let this not be our plight!

 What Mary had, is what we need.  A true understanding of the fear of God!  Not some vague notion or "generic-brand" knowledge, for THAT is not knowledge at all!

 Proverbs 1:7 (NKJV) 
"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of of knowledge . . . "
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Okay, so what is the "fear of the LORD"?  How do I get it and then keep it?

 The fear of the LORD, in my humble estimation is this . . . 
to live with awe, wonder and holy reverence for the majesty of the One and sovereign God.

 I submit that this is the time of year to renew, refresh or develop for the first time this fear that leads to knowledge.  What a great way to mark the beginning of the new year with a renewed sense of wonder and awe!
PHOTO CREDIT
Here is my own personal list for beginning and keeping my sense of wonder and awe:

 1.  READ AND WRITE THE WORD!  This is something I've been doing a lot of recently.  Just slowly meditating on God's Holy Word and writing them down in my journal.  

 If you are on Instagram you can use the hashtag #writetheword and join other ladies that have committed themselves to this process.  I also participate with the #hellomornings - Winter session begins January 28th, check it out here.

 2.  Pray for wisdom and focus.  
James 1:5 (NKJV) "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him."

 3.  Purpose my heart.  My husband says these very words to my son, on an almost daily basis.  It is all part of "counting the costs" and deciding "whom you will serve".  I want to fear the LORD and grow in His ways, above the ways of men.  I MUST set it in my heart to this task, first and foremost, everyday.

 4.  Stop sweating the "small stuff".  P.S.  That means EVERYTHING!  The in-law situations, the store clerk with attitude, the wreck-less driver in front of you, the non-perfect children in your house . . . all these things must be pushed to the wayside and rather spend your energies focusing on your awe and wonder for the Most High.

 5.  Mark this time and season with purpose-filled moments of awe, wonder and joy.  This is the prescription for the stress and strain the world forces on us during this time of the year (oh, and every-other-day-of-the-year too).
  • Listen to Handel's Messiah, the Hallelujah chorus 
  • ---> I like this one and my friend Connie suggests this one on YouTube.
  • Start a Blessing Log!  Take a few minutes each day to count those blessings and your wonder will never cease at what the LORD has done.
  • Go caroling with a group of close friends and bring cookies to hand out.
  • Serve a dinner to a sick neighbor or church member and thank God for your health.
  • Watch the sunset while drinking a hot cup of cocoa.  If you have a nine year old girl, invite her to come . . . she will be good to point out all the WONDERFUL things you might be missing! ;)
Be full of wonder this season and the fear of the LORD will spring out the wisdom and knowledge in your heart!  That is a remedy we could all stand to receive.

Hoping your winter is full of wonders and joy!
The Joyful Socks Mom 
HAVE YOU MISSED A POST:
Day #1 ----> Praying A Mary Heart for the Season
Day #2 ----> Remembering His Regard For You
Day #3 ----> 3 Steps Mary Used To Avoid Complaining

HERE ARE SOME MORE JOYFUL RESOURCES FOR YOU!
  • Visit my new Etsy Shop: HERITAGE FOLK ART to get unique handmade gifts!  Custom orders are welcome. 
  • HARMONY FINE ARTS: The best study for art and music appreciation!  Hard working moms with little time left will love this curriculum plan.
Statement of Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. The blog owner receives a small portion of sales generated from these links, which helps to support this blog. The blog writer does not receive compensation for thoughts or opinions expressed on this blog. Thank you for your kind consideration. 
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